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Neurological physiotherapy for transverse myelitis
The neurological physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro Physio commonly treat conditions such as transverse myelitis. Transverse myelitis can occur in anyone at any age.
What is transverse myelitis?
Transverse myelitis is a neurological disorder that is caused by the inflammation of the spinal cord. Inflammation destroys part of the nerve that is covered. This damage interrupts communication of messages that are sent from the spinal cord to the rest of the body.
The exact causes of transverse myelitis are unknown. Physiotherapy is beneficial for anyone who is suffering from transverse myelitis.
Effects of transverse myelitis?
Symptoms of transverse myelitis can be acute (develop over a few hours /days) or sub-acute (develop over 1-2 weeks) symptoms will vary depending on the part of the spinal cord that is affected. They may include:
Back pain
Back pain is usually localised (felt in one part of the back)
Muscle weakness
Due to the damage to the nerves that supply messages to the body. These muscles may control muscle movement. If the nerves are damaged there will be no muscle movement so muscle weakness will occur.
Abnormal sensation
Messages may not be sent correctly due to the damage of nerve fibres. It may cause abnormal sensations to be felt if the nerve is partly damaged.
Co-ordination
Arm and hand co-ordination maybe affected with transverse myelitis.
Pain
this is the primary presenting feature of transverse myelitis.
Bladder and bowel problems
Is another problem that maybe associated with transverse myelitis.
Physiotherapy for transverse myelitis?
Physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro Physio commonly treat conditions such as transverse myelitis. Together you and your physiotherapist will work on problems that you may have relating to daily function and movement. A rehabilitation programme will be put together with the physiotherapist setting realistic goals. Physiotherapy treatment may include the following:
- Exercise and stretches
- Pain control
- Advice and guidance
- Advice on equipment use
- Advice and guidance on transfers
- Hydrotherapy
- Breathing and relaxation techniques
- Improving balance
- Improving posture
- Exercise therapy
- Stretching techniques
- Reducing pain and spasm
- Reducing stiffness
- Reducing the chance of infection
Physiotherapy will help anyone with transverse myelitis to gain a better quality of life and maximise their possibilities. During the early symptoms physiotherapy rehabilitation is the most beneficial. Physiotherapy will not reverse the effects of long term disability as a result of transverse myelitis but it can help to make you more functionally independent to ensure they get the best quality of life as possible.
Physiotherapists at Liverpool Neuro Physio understand that you may be suffering with severe weakness, spasticity and pain. Physiotherapy techniques will aim to reduce this by exercise and stretching techniques to help prevent any further deterioration of muscles and to keep full range of movement at the joint. Once the movement is lost daily activities become increasingly difficult to manage. Physiotherapy maintains the range of movement so that an individual can continue as independently as possible with normal tasks.
Your physiotherapist will also carry out assessments on equipment that you may need such as wheelchairs. They will provide the best advice and guidance on using the equipment not only to you but to the family /carers of that person. If the person is paralysed then techniques to prevent pressure sores can be taught to you as well as family /carers.
Your physiotherapist can also teach the exercises and techniques to family /carers to ensure everyone is doing their best to help you gain the best quality of life. Your physiotherapist is concerned with you maintaining a good healthy well-being and this is best done with the use of physiotherapy exercise. The treatment provided to you at Liverpool Neuro Physio will be specific to your needs and symptoms and it will be fun and motivating for you.
It is important for you to continue with physiotherapy to maintain your functional, independent well-being. This will try to ensure you are not always relying on someone elses help which can be frustrating. Specialist physiotherapy techniques will be incorporated into your treatment to help you gain the most beneficial effects of your treatment therefore improving your quality of life.
To arrange an appointment or to speak to one of our specialists, call us on 0151 558 0188 or email office@liverpoolneurophysio.co.uk.